DCCC names Himes national finance chair

2/28/13 8:36 AM EST

Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes has been named finance chairman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the organization announced Thursday.

Himes, who was elected in 2008, replaces Rep. Allyson Schwartz, who is exploring a likely bid for Pennsylvania governor.

“The DCCC is in our best financial position in years, and Jim Himes is the right person to build on our terrific operation so that we can wage a strong battle to roll back the tea party Republican House,” DCCC Chairman Steve Israel said in a statement.

The Connecticut Democrat joins a group of DCCC leaders that includes Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards, Colorado Rep. Jared Polis and New York Rep. Joe Crowley.